The seed of an idea that had been germinating since high school began to take root. Using skills from my marketing and digital media classes, I created a simple online platform offering virtual assistant services to local small businesses. Working late into the night, I built a website and developed service packages tailored to needs I had observed in my research with Professor Bennett.
By the beginning of junior year, my small business was generating enough income to allow me to quit the bookstore job. I maintained my research position more for the mentorship than the money. Between the virtual assistant work, research stipend and loans, I was finally achieving a precarious financial stability.
As my business grew, so did my confidence. In business strategy class, I began speaking up more, sharing insights from my real world entrepreneurial experience. Professors took notice and classmates began seeking my advice on their projects.